Abstract: A protective mask with a hood having a face piece, a head piece, and a bib ormed from an elastic impervious material. A foam rubber seal, mounted on the inside surface of the hood, is located on the periphery of the face piece. An pair of eye pieces are mounted on the face piece for permitting exterior vision from inside the hood. A plurality of filter cells with flexible charcoal filters are mounted on the bib. Air ducts extend from an air reservoir fed by the cells to the face piece to permit filtered air to be drawn into the face piece. A flapper valve is mounted on the face piece to permit air to be exhausted from the mask.

Abstract: Form-fitting, comfortable, soft-shell protective apparel, commonly called a as mask, for protecting the head, upper body and respiratory tract from chemical/biological agents and toxins and radioactive particles. A unitary, easy-to-put-on, heat and moisture-dissipating multi-layer construction enables prolonged use and internalizes an adjustable suspension system as well as the purified breathing-air path. The latter is structured to enable the self-contained purifying agent to be located away from the face for facilitating weapons compatibility and reducing fatigue. Goggle-like eye lensing is designed to minimize eye relief and maximize peripheral vision and look-down capability, while providing optical correction and laser-light protection. The mask design minimizes dead space leading to distortion and other communications problems, and enables purifying-agent changes in a "hot" environment.

Abstract: An elevator car has a drive mechanism mounted in a compact housing on the upper surface of the car. The drive mechanism includes a rotatable drive shaft, around which is mounted a linear actuator block having a plurality of ball bearings, obliquely arranged relative to the shaft, and firmly touching the shaft. Rotation of the shaft by a motor makes the block move linearly along the shaft. A bracket attached to the block carries an elevator door. Rotation of the shaft therefore opens and closes the door. The direction of movement of the block, and hence the door, depends on the direction of rotation of the shaft. The drive mechanism is compact and simple, and can be applied to new elevators or can be used to retrofit existing elevator cars.

Abstract: An improved fold and wrap package providing containment of a catamenial pad prior to its use and for conveniently disposing of a soiled catamenial pad. The fold and wrap package comprises a wrapper comprising a single strip of material having a flap panel, a central panel, and an end panel; and preferably a tape tab for securing the wrapper in a disposal configuration to provide convenient disposal of a soiled catamenial pad wrapped in the wrapper. The fold and wrap package is initially configured to have a pouch and a flap. The pouch is formed by folding the end panel back upon the central panel and frangibly bonding the end panel to the central panel at the longitudinal edges so that the end panel may be easily peeled away from the central panel to provide convenient disposal of a soiled catamenial pad.

Abstract: A fluorescent fiber (13) having a doped core (16) is pumped (11) by light (18) of a relatively short wavelength to produce fluorescence at a longer wavelength that is detected by detector (24). The level of fluorescence is monitored (26) and evaluated to provide information as to the excitation of the fiber (13) or the environment thereof. In particular, the level of intensity of the detected fluorescence may be used to measure the intensity of a light beam (18) passing axially through an optical fiber system (12) (FIG. 1 ), or the intensity of a light beam (46) passing radially through a fluorescent fiber (13) (FIG. 2 ), or the level of a fluid (32) in a tank (31) (FIG. 3 ), or a scintillation event (37) in a fluorescent fiber (13) pumped to produce amplification of the scintillation event (FIG. 4 ).

Abstract: A new miniature rose with red and yellow bicolor flowers.

Abstract: A new miniature rose with red flowers of good form.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Hybrid Tea rose Plant is provided having double flowers of original even mauve blend. The new variety is particularly suited for use in the beautification of parks and gardens.

Abstract: A new rose variety of the Hybrid Tea class characterized by having large well formed red flowers on a bush with extremely glossy foliage and excellent disease resistance.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Plum Cot tree (plum.times.apricot) which has the unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety:1. Fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality.2. Regular and moderate production of large size fruit.3. Fruit with firm flesh.4. Vigorous semi-upright growth.5. Fruit ripening in the early maturity season.6. Bearing fruit with an attractive yellow skin color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nectarine tree and more particularly to a new and distinct variety broadly characterized by a large size, vigorous, hardy, productive and regular bearing tree. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described approximately the third week in June, with first picking on Jun. 16, 1993. The fruit is uniformly large in size, excellent in flavor, attractively globose in shape, freestone in type, very firm in texture, and full red in skin color. The variety was developed as a hybridized seedling from the selected seed parent of May Diamond Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,454), and an unnamed nectarine seedling as the selected pollen parent.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum, botanically known as Dendranthema grandiflora, and referred to by the cultivar name Sunset Lady. The new cultivar is distinguished by its red bronze buds and pale yellow flowers with a distinctive red color eye.

Abstract: A new variety of hybrid lily plant bearing large upfacing flowers of excellent form and long persistence, both on the plant and as cut-flowers. The flowers of the new plant are particularly characterized by their large size and substance, their completely upfacing orientation, and particularly by their even deep pink coloration, their small green nectaries bordered with narrow yellow margins, and their inconspicuously colored papillae. This combination is completely new in the Oriental hybrid divisions of lilies suited to forcing and to mass commercial cultivation. The variety is highly resistant to Fusarium disease and shows tolerance of virus. The bulbs may be precooled and forced for cut-flower production under a wide range of light and temperature conditions. The clone is vigorous and is a good grower and propagator.

Abstract: A new variety of hybrid lily plant bearing large upfacing flowers of excellent form and long persistence, both on the plant and as cut-flowers. The flowers of the new plant are particularly characterized by their large size and substance, their broad tepals, their completely upfacing orientation, their even medium pink coloration, their green nectaries with yellow papillose margins, and their deeply colored papillae. This combination is completely new in the Oriental hybrid divisions of lilies suited to forcing and to mass commercial cultivation. The variety is highly resistant to Fusarium disease and shows tolerance of virus. The bulbs may be precooled and forced for cut-flower production under a wide range of temperature and light levels. The clone is vigorous and is a good grower and propagator.

Abstract: A new variety of hybrid lily plant bearing large upfacing flowers of excellent form and long persistence, both on the plant and as cut-flowers. The flowers of the new plant are particularly characterized by their exceptional substance, deep yellow coloring, their small brushmarks and inconspicuous spotting, their starry form with tepals only slightly overlapping, their narrow green nectary furrows with yellow pubescent margins, and their semi-umbellate inflorescence. `Yellow Grace` has attractively ascending foliage and forces well even under extremely warm conditions. This combination is completely new in the Asiatic hybrid divisions of lilies suited to forcing and to mass commercial cultivation. The variety is highly resistant to Fusarium disease and shows tolerance of virus. The bulbs may be precooled and forced for cut-flower production. The clone is vigorous and is a good grower and propagator.

Abstract: A new variety of hybrid lily plant bearing large upfacing flowers of excellent form and long persistence, both on the plant and as cut-flowers. The flowers of the new plant are particularly characterized by their light pink coloration with noticeably deeper pink tepal midribs, their inconspicuous white-edged green nectaries, their deeply colored papillae, their lightly ruffled margins, their large size and substance, and their completely upfacing orientation. This combination is completely new in the Oriental hybrid divisions of lilies suited to forcing and to mass commercial cultivation. The variety is highly resistant to Fusarium disease and shows tolerance of virus. The bulbs may be precooled and forced for cut-flower production under a wide range of temperature and light levels. The clone is vigorous and is a good grower and propagator.

Abstract: A Ficus benjamina plant having a laterally dominant growth habit.

Abstract: An open-center fluid controller (15) is disclosed for controlling the flow of fluid to a steering cylinder (25). The controller includes a fluid meter (29) and valving arrangement (27), including a valve spool (43) and a sleeve (45), which define a main fluid path. The main path includes a fixed flow control orifice (86), a variable flow control orifice (87), the fluid meter (29), and a variable flow control orifice (89). In accordance with the invention, the spool and sleeve define an amplification fluid path (101), including a variable amplification orifice (99), in parallel with the main fluid path, and disposed to amplify the flow of fluid through the meter (29). In order to facilitate manual steering, the amplification orifice (99) reaches its maximum flow area when the spool and sleeve are in a normal operating position (FIG. 6). The amplification orifice then decreases and closes as the displacement between the spool and sleeve reach a maximum displacement (FIG. 7).

Abstract: An integrated three-chamber absorption refrigeration and heat pump system with improved defrost capabilities having a solution pair including a material of .[.unusable.]. .Iadd.unusual .Iaddend.fluid stability at higher temperatures when manipulated in an apparatus and system to take advantage of its properties. Disclosed materials of a solution pair for operation as part of the system of this invention are ammonia as the refrigerant and sodium thiocyanate as the absorbent. A heat transfer sub-system is provided, for conveying a working fluid between the components, having multiple switchable valve means, including first, second, and third valve members selectively switchable to convey the working fluid from the cooling mode to the heating mode and vice versa, as well as to the defrost mode.

Abstract: Cryogenic cooling apparatus comprising an inlet path through which refrigerant gas is caused to flow, a Joule-Thomson expansion nozzle which communicates with the inlet path and in which, in use, a proportion of the refrigerant gas is caused to liquefy and an outlet path communicating with the outlet of the expansion nozzle, the inlet path being in heat exchange relationship with the outlet path. An elongate valve needle cooperates with the outlet side of the expansion nozzle and together with the latter constitutes a valve. A sensor is disposed in the space on the outlet side of the expansion nozzle and is arranged progressively to close the valve as the amount of liquid refrigerant in contact with it increases. The valve needle defines a bypass passage which extends along its entire length and remains open at all times. The apparatus is accommodated within a container, to the outer surface of a portion of the wall of which a thermal load is connected.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and determining the distances of points on a surface from a reference axis includes a light source, such as a laser, for projecting a main beam of light of relatively small diameter along an axis. A device, such as a diffraction grating, is provided for splitting the main beam of light into a plurality of discrete fractional beams of light. A further component, such as a diverging lens, angularly displaces the fractional beams relative to each other so the beams extend along a common plane towards a position for an object. Light reflected from the surface is projected onto a linear photodetector, the positions where the reflected fractional beams strike the linear photodetector being related to the distance from a reference axis to the points on the object where the fractional beams are reflected.

Abstract: A laser printing system including a main body having a photosensitive member and an optical unit for forming an image on the photosensitive member by projecting a laser beam thereon. The optical unit is detachably provided in said main body and has a laser beam source, a laser beam source drive circuit, a laser beam shaping member, and a polygonal mirror for scanning the surface of the photosensitive member with the laser beam. The optical unit gives to the main body an instruction as to the dot density especially assigned thereto. The main body forms the image at the dot density assigned to the optical unit which is selected from a plurality of optical units having different dot densities. Accordingly, the optical units having different dot densities are prepared so as to be selectively used to obtain the desired one of the dot densities.

Abstract: A package cosmetic product includes container structure that has application surface structure at one end, dispensing structure at the opposite end that is movable towards the application surface structure, and gelled cosmetic material disposed in the container between the dispensing structure and the application surface structure. The application surface structure has an application surface with an array of dispensing ports, each port being at the end of and in direct communication with an elongated distribution passage. The array of distribution passages is defined by an interconnected array of elongated divider webs shaped to provide each distribution passage with a flared entrance port and a relieved dispensing port region at the application surface.

Abstract: A nickel electrode for an alkaline battery comprises a porous alkaline-proof metal fiber substrate used as a current collector, and active material for the electrode. The active material includes nickel hydroxide powder active material, to which zinc or magnesium is added at a rate in a range of .[.3.]..Iadd.1.Iaddend.-10 wt % or 1-3 wt %, respectively. The zinc and magnesium is in a solid solution in crystal of the nickel hydroxide, and the active material forms principle compound of paste, which is loaded in the electrode.

Abstract: An orthopedic rigid splint-plate orthosis comprises a splint-plate which is provided in one of a combination of different shapes and sizes corresponding to different body members which may have to be treated. The splint-plate has at one of its edges a non-stretchable linking ribbon which at the end thereof opposite to the end joined to the plate includes locking means which are complementary with corresponding locking means provided in the edge of the plate opposite to that edge joined with the ribbon. The plate is provided presterilized and isolated inside an impervious bag which may be filled with boiling water to make the rigid splint-plate soft, whereafter the water is drained and the softened plate applied and moulded to the body member and then left to harden back to its rigid state. For use in an operating theatre, the bag with the plate may be closed inside a second bag and sterilized with gas or radiation; thereafter, the plate may be softened by submerging the sealed outside bag in hot water.

Abstract: Known protective helmets used for motorcycle riding, flying and snowmobiling employ transparent visors that have heating elements to reduce and attempt to eliminate the build-up of ice, condensation and fog. A double-lensed face shield is provided with a pair of electrodes formed on an inner face lens, in the air pocket formed between the inner face lens and the outer weather lens. Substantially across one entire surface of the inner face lens is formed an electroconductive film. An upper electrode extends from a first end along an upper margin of the inner face lens on the film to a second end. On the opposite lower margin extends on the film a lower electrode from a first end to a second end. An insulated contact passes from one side of the inner lens to the other and connects the first end of the lower electrode with a conductor which extends on the opposite side of the inner lens towards the first end of the upper electrode.

Abstract: A work garment having a waist portion covering a lower back area of a wearer and a front closure, and a support member, attached to the garment, for supporting a lumbar region of the wearer. The support member preferably includes a plurality of elastic bands extending about the waist portion of the garment and having complementary closure members positioned adjacent to the front closure of the work garment, and a contact member, attached to the elastic straps, positioned to contact the lumbar region of the wearer. In one embodiment, the elastic straps are integral with the work garment, which may be a coverall, and in other embodiments with firefighter garments such as a jacket, pant, and girdle. In one embodiment, the contact member consists of a resilient pad centered in the lumbar area of the wearer, and in another embodiment, the contact member consists of a plurality of elongate, vertically-extending stays.

Abstract: A protective helmet having dome-shaped body means, the combination comprising a retention strap associated with the body means; and a first cavity in the body means in which a substantial length of the strap is stored in position to be pulled out of the cavity for use in retaining the helmet to the head of a user.

Abstract: A safety helmet comprises hard internal and external shells and a shock-absorbent insert. The internal shell forms at its lower edge and on the outside thereof an upwardly-opening trough in which the insert is inserted. The free edge of the trough joins with the lower edge of the external shell above the bottom of the trough. The two shells, together with the insert, form ventilation openings which are lined by portions of the two shells. The main portion of the internal shell is embedded into the soft-bodied insert, so that it is mainly the insert that contacts the wearer's head, but for the rim portion thereof where the internal shell still surrounds the bottom edge of the insert.

Abstract: The present invention is an ear flap hat that is designed to be worn in both good and bad weather. The hat gives the wearer the flexibility of wearing the hat with the ear flaps down covering the wearer's ears or positioning the ear flaps in an up position on the crown of the wearer's head so that the wearer's ears are exposed. A cord and cord lock are also included with this hat so that the wearer can tighten the cap down and affix it to their head when the ear flaps are down. The cord can also be used to hold the ear flaps in the up position when they are not covering the wearer's ears. When the ear flaps are in the down position, covering the wearer's ears, the cord can be positioned in the back of the wearer's neck or under the wearer's chin depending on the desired tightness and the weather conditions. The hat will be less likely to fly off during gusts of high wind when the cord is positioned under the wearer's chin.

Abstract: This invention is a fluid evacuation system used in conjunction with a standard water closet. A wet/dry evacuation motor is used to remove foul air not only from the immediate area of the water closet but from the entire room. Should a liquid overflow occur, part of that fluid can also be removed from the top of the water closet bowl and directed into the sewer system. Additionally, an attachment is provided to allow evacuation of water and other fluids from the floor adjacent to and around the water closet.